====== AE2 Mechanics: Bytes and Types ======

^ Author | Applied Energistics Team |
^ Category | Storage & Automation |

Storage Cells in AE2 are limited by both **bytes** and **types**.

**Bytes** measure how much total "stuff" can be stored.  
**Types** measure how many unique items can be tracked.

Example: A 4k cell has 4,096 bytes but only 63 item types.  
Lots of enchanted or damaged items eat type slots quickly.

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===== How Bytes and Types Work =====
* **Bytes** – Just like in a real computer, bytes are the raw storage capacity of a cell. Each item is stored as **1 bit**, so **8 items = 1 byte**. A full stack of 64 = **8 bytes**.  
  * Fluids follow the same logic: **8 buckets = 1 byte**.  
  * Identical items, even unstackable ones like saddles, don’t take extra space.
* **Types** – Each unique item stored (including NBT data such as damage or enchantments) counts as one type.  
  * 4,096 cobblestone = 1 type.  
  * 16 enchanted swords, all different, = 16 types.

Each type uses a small upfront byte cost (varies by cell size). Because of this, a cell holding 1 type can store about **double** the amount compared to a cell filled with all 63 types.

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===== Why Types Exist =====
* Too many types = too much NBT data on the storage item. This can lag players or even cause "book banning" style crashes if data is too large.  
* More types = more load on the system’s sorting and item handling.  
* Prevents dumping thousands of damaged tools/armor from mob farms directly into ME storage.  
  * **Recommendation:** Filter out random junk before it reaches your network.

Types aren’t as restrictive as they look:  
* 1 ME Drive full of cells = **630 types total**.  
* This is usually plenty unless you insist on hoarding unique unstackables.

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===== Strategy =====
* Don’t rush only top-tier storage. Higher tiers give **more bytes** but **no extra types**.  
* Lower tier cells stay useful even late game due to type balancing.  
* Mix cell sizes depending on what you’re storing.

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===== Storage Cell Comparison =====

^ Cell | Bytes | Types | Bytes per Type | Certus | Redstone | Gold | Glowstone |
| 1k ME Item Storage Cell | 1,024 | 63 | 8   | 4     | 5   | 1  | 0  |
| 4k ME Item Storage Cell | 4,096 | 63 | 32  | 14.25 | 20  | 3  | 0  |
| 16k ME Item Storage Cell | 16,384 | 63 | 128 | 45    | 61  | 9  | 4  |
| 64k ME Item Storage Cell | 65,536 | 63 | 512 | 137.25| 184 | 27 | 16 |
| 256k ME Item Storage Cell | 262,144 | 63 | 2048 | 414   | 553 | 81 | 48 |

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===== Storage Capacity With Varying Type Count =====

^ Cell | Capacity (1 Type) | Capacity (63 Types) |
| 1k ME Item Storage Cell | 8,128   | 4,160   |
| 4k ME Item Storage Cell | 32,512  | 16,640  |
| 16k ME Item Storage Cell | 130,048 | 66,560  |
| 64k ME Item Storage Cell | 520,192 | 266,240 |
| 256k ME Item Storage Cell | 2,080,768 | 1,064,960 |

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===== Visual Examples =====
* **A Cell With 1 Type** – Far more total capacity.  
* **A Cell With 63 Types** – Much less overall space.